Effect of spacing and pruning on chlorophyll and NPK contents of guava leaves cv. Hisar Safeda

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted in order to examine the effect of spacing and pruning on chlorophyll a' and 'b' content and NPK content of leaves of guava cv. Hisar Safeda. In this experiment two levels of pruning viz no pruning and 50% shoot pruning of last season growth were done in the month of April in guava trees spaced at nine different spacing viz. 6×2 m, 6×3 m, 6×4 m, 6×5 m, 5×2 m, 5×3m, 5×4 m, 5×5 m, 6×6 m. Observations revealed that leaves chlorophyll 'a' and 'b' content and NPK content were significantly increased with increasing the spacing and pruning levels. Highest chlorophyll content and leaf NPK content were registered in widest spacing at 6×6 m with pruned trees during both the seasons. Whereas lowest chlorophyll 'a' and 'b' content and leaf NPK content were found in closest spacing at 5×2 m with non-pruned trees.